Tom Smith joins Velosure Starley Primal Pro Cycling team for 2015

Britain’s most successful Deaflympian, two-time cycling medalist in 2013, Tom Smith, has announced he will be riding for team Velosure Starley Primal Pro Cycling in the UK for the 2015 season.

In preparation for the new season, Tom is currently doing his winter training in the warmer climate of Texas. Taking the opportunity to catch up with him and ask him about his involvement in this ambitious pro-cycling team, I asked him, why he had gone to Texas. “I have friends in Texas who have wanted me to spend time out there for a while, so with the cold weather setting in and the possibility of snow at home, I took the opportunity to have some warm weather training, and have less risk of being ill, sick or injured which could set my winter base training back by months. With the help of Weinzweig Perform and my friends in Texas, I am able to make the most of this part of my season”. 

The formal presentation of the 2015 Velosure Starley Primal Pro Cycling team will be held on February 15^th at the London Bike Show, held at the Excel Arena (http://www.thelondonbikeshow.co.uk/). 

The team and its sponsors will be shown on stage for all the fans and supporters to see. James Smith, Velosure Starley Primal’s Team Manager, said: “We’re really excited about the team for 2015 – we’ve got a great mix of British and international talent who are all eager to excel and be at the forefront of events in the racing calendar. The new riders will make us a force to be reckoned with across all race disciplines.”

Following the team presentation, Tom and the team will be heading out to Spain for a 2 week pre-season training camp to fine tune their legs prior to returning to the UK in March to begin racing. Tom’s last full season in the UK was back in 2007.

Commenting on his return to British competition, and signing up to one of the rising forces in British cycling, Tom said, “It’s been a while since I raced at home for a full season. Not many people know that I took 4 years out of the sport. I had a training accident when I was hit by a car in early 2004. I suffered with leg pains from that point, and only found out 4 years later that my spine had slipped forward crushing my sciatic nerve. I had several operations to fuse my lower spine back in place. I attempted to race in 2012 and targeted the Deaf European Champs. When I medaled there, I thought - Let’s give the Deaflympics a crack!”

After 2 years competing in Belgium, Tom is taking the step up to return to the UK to race on the road in the British Cycling Star Trophy Road Series and the Pearl Izumi Tour Series around various City Centres. With many races local to Tom’s supporters he is hoping they will turn up in their numbers to support him. You will also see these races televised on ITV4 and British Eurosport.

With Tom having to race and work in 2015, you can show your support by helping with Tom’s funding. Just use this link to make a donation - http://www.gofundme.com/tomsmiff-roadtopro